Chocolate Chip Sea Star

The Chocolate Chip Sea Star (also known as the Horned Sea Star) belongs to the family Oreasteridae. The CC Sea star is native to the warm waters of the Indo-Pacific Oceans. This species of sea star is known for its rows of black spines or “horns” on each arm, arranged in a single row (they look like chocolate chips!). This species of sea star has the five-pointed-star-shape with tampering at the ends, scaring predators away using a defense called aposematism, making their colors look as if they are poisonous. They are usually colored with shades of red or brown but can sometimes be light tan like cookie dough. This species of sea star prefers to seek shelter on sandy or muddy bottoms. Most sea stars prefer living on hard substrate like coral, but the CC sea star can be found even in seagrass beds, in-between leaves. You sometimes can see this species intertidally, exposed to low tides. It has been observed that this creature tends to invade soft bottom areas as well (this might be of assistance when spawning). This species is what we call an opportunistic carnivore. CC sea stars will prey on sessile animals like coral and sponges. Some will even hunt down snails to eat them! It has also been observed that this species of sea star will eat a sea urchin as well!

Unfortunately, we do have overharvesting to worry about when it comes to the sea stars that live heavily in Asian and Pacific countries. CC sea stars are collected for the seashell trade because of their ornate skeleton. Because of all the trading, there has been a great reduction in the population of this species. They may not be listed as concerned but let’s not wait until we are concerned to stop the bad habits!

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